The  DC Metro Chapter of Carson Scholars Fund is having their first Annual Gala at the New Zealand Embassy, Thursday December 9, 2010 in association with Duffy Books in Homes USA.

This event is designed to raise funds for scholarships for deserving students within the entire DC Metro area.

Special guests include Dr. Ben Carson and his wife, Mrs. Candy Carson, co-chairs of Carson’s Scholars Fund.

“Roots” in New Zealand . . . .
The original Duffy Books in Homes (BiH) program was started by New Zealand author Alan Duff. Recognized by the NZ educational system and NZ government as having significantly benefited that nation’s children, NZ’s Books in Homes programme has positively impacted 1 million children by distributing 7 million books during 15 years of operation. The primary corporate sponsor for the NZ programme is Mainfreight.

“Wings” in America . . . . .
Dr. Richard Quest, a teacher, administrator, and college associate vice president from New York State, learned about BiH while visiting NZ in 2005 as part of his doctoral studies in education through the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Quest, undertook to bring the Duffy Books in Homes initiative to the United States. With CaroTrans, the US subsidiary of Mainfreight, providing a generous portion of financing for operational expenses, Duffy Books in Homes USA, Inc. organized as a not-for-profit corporation in early 2008. Currently, nine school districts plus one community-based organization, with 3 separate programs, are participating as Duffy Programs for 2010-2011. Another five (5) new schools/organizations are in various stages of development for the current and coming years. Over 64,000 free books have been distributed in a little over 2 years.